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Last week, we showed you how to Dim Hidden Mac Apps on Dock by adding spaces using a straightforward Terminal command. This article will highlight yet another easy Terminal trick that allows you to limit the Dock’s display to only the apps that are currently running on your Mac, making it more of a straightforward app switcher.
If your Dock has gotten clogged up with numerous app shortcuts over time, seeing only active apps at the bottom of your desktop can be a welcome change. You can always use Spotlight (key combination Command-Space to activate) or another method to launch your Mac apps, though.
Steps to Dim Hidden Mac Apps on Dock
- Launch Terminal (found in Launchpad, Spotlight, or the /Applications/Utilities folder) and enter the following command string exactly:
- Hit return to execute the defaults command
- Next up you need to kill the Dock, which forces it to reload and have the change take effect:
- Again hit return to refresh the Dock for changes to take effect
All hidden apps and their respective icons will show in the Dock but as the translucent version. This will apply going forward to every hidden application in Mac OS X that is would appear in the Dock. As a quick sidenote, you can combine those two commands into a single string for the Terminal as so:
Testing that Hidden Apps Show as Transparent in Dock
- Hit Command+H to hide the current application
- Option+Click on the desktop, or Option+Click to another application, to hide the current app
- Use a keystroke to hide and minimize everything
Using Terminal to Customize Your Dock
If you like your Mac’s Dock, there’s no need to completely replace it especially since there are so many wonderful little adjustments that can be made with a single Terminal command. You’ll need to use the Terminal, which is located in the Utilities folder with your Applications, to carry out these changes.
Alternatively, you can open it in Spotlight by pressing Cmd + Space, typing “Terminal,” and then pressing Enter. These commands have all been verified to function on macOS Monterey. They ought to function properly on earlier versions of macOS like Big Sur, Catalina, and Mojave.
FAQ
How do I minimize apps on Mac Dock?
Locate the Dock along the left, bottom, or right edge of the screen. Choose the visual effect used when you minimize a window. Choose what happens when you double-click the title bar of an app window: Minimize: Minimize an app window to the Dock.
Why do some apps stay in Dock on Mac?
Certain apps will always appear in your Dock by default, others disappear from the Dock when you close them, and if you want an app to stay in the Dock even once it’s closed you can choose to Keep in Dock if you right click on it and select Options.
How do I minimize apps on Mac Dock?
Locate the Dock along the left, bottom, or right edge of the screen. Choose the visual effect used when you minimize a window. Choose what happens when you double-click the title bar of an app window: Minimize: Minimize an app window to the Dock.
Why do some apps stay in Dock on Mac?
Certain apps will always appear in your Dock by default, others disappear from the Dock when you close them, and if you want an app to stay in the Dock even once it’s closed you can choose to Keep in Dock if you right click on it and select Options.